Salt and pepper tweed from Mourne Textiles was crafted into a stunning bodice and full skirt by couturier Peter O'Brien for the launch of TextISLE at Showcase 2017, an initiative focusing on the creative potential of Irish textiles in fashion and homeware.

Salt and pepper tweed from Mourne Textiles was crafted into a stunning bodice and full skirt by couturier Peter O'Brien for the launch of TextISLE at Showcase 2017, an initiative focusing on the creative potential of Irish textiles in fashion and homeware.

The creative show, which is only open to the trade, began at the RDS yesterday and runs until Wednesday, attracting buyers from 20 countries.

Peter O'Brien's dramatic two-piece was made with tweed from Mourne Textiles, a company founded by Norwegian Gerd Hay-Edie in Rostrevor, Co Down, in the 1940s and which is now run by her daughter, master weaver Karen Hay-Edie, and her son, Mario Sierra.

Brendan and Kasia McEvoy from Mullingar were overall winners in the Local Enterprise Showcase awards with their luxury tech bag and accessory company, My Name is Ted, which specialises in leather goods.

Mr McEvoy said he was influenced by his grandfather's work and creations.

His functional and adaptable range of luxury business and lifestyle crossover bags are all made from full grain Italian leather.